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A law that allows an individual to shoot and kill intruders in their home will be among the topics to be discussed at two upcoming gun seminars sponsored by two state lawmakers.
The Castle Doctrine, or stand-your-ground law, differs from the incidents seen nationwide where armed homeowners have shot at those knocking on their front door or mistakenly entering a private property and using the wrong address.
State Representatives Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township, and Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, will discuss this law as they host two gun law seminars this month.
Every day, not only citizens but also police officers need to be familiar with the stand-your-ground law.
Williamsport Bureau of Police Capt. Josh Bell noted how the law is applied for officers on patrol.
"In general and broad terms, anytime someone uses force at their own residence it would be viewed in totality of the circumstances, which is a frequently utilized viewpoint and term in our profession," he said.
"In this instance, the outcomes justifiable reasonableness would be based upon the totality of all the circumstances at the time the force was used," he added.
The use of force in self-protection is listed extensively in Pennsylvania code. Use of force justifiable for protection of the person is the first listing. The use of force upon or toward another person is justifiable when the actor believes that such force is immediately necessary for the purpose of protecting themselves against the use of unlawful force by such other person on the present occasion, according to the code.
Granted, there are limitations on justifying necessity for use of force under the law.
These limitations are rather common sense, such as the use of deadly force is not justifiable under this section unless the "actor" believes that such force is necessary to protect himself against death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping or sexual intercourse compelled by force or threat.
The dates and locations for the gun seminars sponsored by Hamm and Flick are:
• Woodward Township Volunteer Fire Co., 4147 North Route 220, Linden, May 9, 6 to 8 p.m.
• DuBoistown Fire Department, 2661 Euclid Ave., DuBoistown, May 17, 6 to 8 p.m.
"I am excited to team up with Rep. Flick and bring these gun law seminars to our area," Hamm said. "I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, and it is important for our law-abiding gun owners to learn more about Pennsylvania's gun laws or even get a refresher on the information they already know."
"As a life-long hunter and owner of a private shooting range, it is important to me to co-host these joint district gun safety seminars with Rep. Hamm so that constituents in our area can learn more about current laws and licenses from local experts and law enforcement," Flick said. "Additionally, these seminars are a great way to share gun-safety tips and practical information with fellow law-abiding gun owners and citizens."
The events will focus on The Castle Doctrine and stand-your-ground laws, but also what to do during an active shooter situation, rules and regulations regarding licenses to carry firearms, safely interacting with police officers while carrying a firearm and firearm-carry laws related to hunting season.
To register for a seminar, visit repjoehamm.com/events or repflick.com/events.